Nigeria: Unidentified assailants kill at least nine people and kidnap one teacher in Niger State Dec. 9

Event

Authorities confirmed that unidentified assailants killed at least nine worshippers at a mosque and kidnaped one teacher in Tungan Baare locality in Mashegu Local Government Area (LGA), Niger State, early Dec. 9. Additional victims may have been abducted though authorities have yet to confirm this. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that the casualty toll is higher. The reason for the attack is unclear; there has been no ransom demand yet. Authorities believe the incident may result from a communal dispute. Security forces are conducting rescue operations.

Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in the vicinity of the incident in the coming days to apprehend the attackers and rescue the abductee. Localized transport disruptions, such as checkpoints, are likely along main roads. Should additional incidents occur, officials may enact drastic security measures such as curfew.

Context

Most kidnappings in Nigeria are financially motivated and conducted by criminal groups of varying levels of sophistication. While locals are more likely to be affected, the threat to foreign nationals remains; bandits regularly resort to lethal methods.

Even though motives for the deadly attacks are not always provided, insecurity is often driven by communal tensions over competition for access to resources such as grazing areas and water. In recent months, officials in the northwest have implemented various business, movement, and communication restrictions in an attempt to curtail insecurity.

Advice

Heed all official directives. Exercise a high degree of vigilance due to the threat of violence and kidnapping. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. If operating in the area in the long term, vary routes and times of travel and ensure the use of secure transport. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.